This art shows what the inside of an IMAX theater looks like. COURTESY OF IMAX

Movie fans can see 3D movies on a huge IMAX screen in Downtown Disney, the fourth IMAX theater in Orange County.

The latest IMAX screen opened within the AMC Theatres in the entertainment-shopping district in November with the James Bond movie "Skyfall." The theater has been doing strong business with "The Hobbit," said Ryan Noonan, an AMC spokesman.

"The IMAX format is very popular with guests, and the reception from guests at AMC Downtown Disney 12 has been no exception," Noonan said in a statement. "We're seeing great response both through attendance and guest feedback."

IMAX theaters once were limited largely to museums, mostly for the showing of documentary films.

But in 2008, IMAX began a major rollout of screens within regular multiplexes, converting existing theaters to the big format, with different seat configurations and 3D capabilities. IMAX studies box-office patterns and customers to figure out the best locations, said IMAX spokesman Adam Davis.

"We don't want to overpopulate with IMAX theaters," he said. "We want to stand out from a regular theater."

IMAX often puts screens in tourist destinations, such as Universal CityWalk in Hollywood. The other Orange County IMAX locations are at the Irvine Spectrum; in Aliso Viejo at an Edwards theater; and at the Outlets at Orange, the outdoor mall formerly called The Block.

Simon Suh, 22, of Fullerton recently sought out the IMAX screen at Downtown Disney to see "The Hobbit."

"For the movies that are visual experiences, I go for IMAX," Suh said.

IMAX screens come in different sizes but are usually 40 percent larger than typical screens.

At Downtown Disney, IMAX movies cost $11 to $18.50, Noonan said. Parking is free for up to three hours and with validation for up to five hours.

The next IMAX movie is "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunter," which opens Jan. 25.

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